8 Things to Do Without Your Boots on This Spring

Though my feet are finally getting the ever-so-attractive ski boot calluses, and the boots themselves are feeling more like slippers than medieval torture devices, springtime is about kicking back and enjoying the sunshine. So, beyond skiing in beautiful corn snow, here’s what you can do to make the most of spring.

1. Listen to live music at apres-ski

This one’s a given for most of the ski season, but you should think about trading your ski and snowboard boots for wellies or flip flops for this year’s Spring Apres Concert Series. With three free slopeside concerts on March 18 and 25, and April 8, each featuring a variety of homegrown Maine and New Hampshire artists, you’ll soak up some rays while getting groovy.

2. Get ready for next season

Spring is the best time to get your New England Pass because you’re guaranteed to get it at a wicked low price. Plus, if you’re not already a New England Passholder, you can ski from now through the end of the season on next year’s pass. Sure, the skiing and riding includes wearing your boots, but visiting the Season Pass desk or going online to buy it doesn’t.

3. Take a Bloody Mary break

One of my greatest pleasures in life is a good Bloody Mary. Lucky for me, we have a wealth of these tomato concoctions at Sunday River. Even if you’re up at the Peak Lodge sucking one down, you can unbuckle your boots and consequently unwind.

5. Go to a rave

A rave? At a ski resort? Yup. You read that right. To kick off Spring Festival on March 31, DJ BREK.ONE will be spinning the beats for a slopeside dance party right at White Cap Lodge. Can you wear your ski boots? Sure, but there’s no need to when the party is rocking from 8-11:30PM.

6. Treat yo’self.

Skiing and riding is all about being on the mountain for some of us. I’ll admit, there are few things better than getting a Skier’s Recovery massage at the Jordan Spa and Summit Health Club. No boots, no problem.

7. Score sweet deals on gear

In addition to pond skimming and the Passholder Barbecue on Passholder Weekend, Sunday River Sports always hosts an extra sweet sale on outerwear and equipment that you won’t want to miss out on.

8. Put a grill in the bed of your truck

Or let your favorite chef handle it while you cradle an ice cold beverage. During the Great Tailgate, anything goes. There’s live music, a themed-tailgate competition, and plenty of delicious smells wafting through the air in the Barker parking lot.